Port de Papeete

Custom Formalities Misc. Regulations From archepilago to archepilago


 

 Papeete Port de croisiereToday, the Port of Papeete is a thriving international cruise port, big enough to welcome four cruise ships at the same time.
Papeete port reflects an image of luxury for Polynesia. Both Tahitians and visitors have already seen many of these prestigious “superboats” parading before their eyes, from the Paul Gauguin to the Tahitian Princess and the Starflyer, through the Amsterdam, the Seven Seas Mariner, the Regal Princess, the Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mary II.
Thanks to the construction of new finger pier in the heart of Papeete, the Port of Papeete can now host the finest cruise ships from anywhere in the world.
Because of its downtown location,
the Papeete Yachts Quay gives yachtsmen easy and direct access to all corner stores and services of Tahiti commercial center in the town. From Vaiete place, with its typical caravans – they are impossible to miss –, to the other places where you can experience the Polynesian culture in the capital city of Polynesia…You will never be bored in Tahiti! Moreover, the Papeete port had greatly improved its infrastructures recently to welcome more yachtsmen in comfort on a special dock equipped with security gates and patrolled by security guards 24/7 during the sailboats high season.

 Papeete Port de plaisanceWith its 5 docks, the Yacht quay of Papeete is able to accommodate up to 80 sailing boats.
The port maintains a security service which guards the quay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the high season, from April to September.
Every berth on the yachtsmen's quay is equipped with modern facilities including water and electricity.
Garbage collection is performed periodically.

• The Taina Marina located in Punaauia is able to accommodate about 500 sailing boats or motor yachts in individual berths or “Med-moored” along a quay. One quay is intended for superyachts. Marina facilities include a fuel dock, a laundry, a harbormasters' office, restrooms, three restaurants, a technical workshop, a chandlery, wireless Internet service and many convenient stores near at hand.

• The marina of Vaiare in Moorea, is able to accommodate 120 sailing boatsor motor yachts. It is mainly inhabited by the permanent residents, and can accommodate 5 to 10 boats passing through Moorea. Themarina provides security service 24/7. On site services include water, restrooms and showers, electricity and garbage collection. Many shops are located nearby.

The Ports of Entry
In the Marquesas Islands
Nuku Hiva (Taiohae), Ua Pou (Hakahau), Hiva Oa (Atuona)
In the Austral Islands
Tubuai (Mataura), Rurutu (Moerai), Raivavae (Rairua)
In the Tuamotu / Gambier
Rangiroa (Tiputa), Mangareva (Rikitea)
In the Leeward Islands,
Society archipelago
Raiatea (Uturoa), Huahine (Fare), Bora Bora (Vaitape)
In the Windard Islands,
Society archipelago
Tahiti (Papeete), Moorea (Afareaitu)

Custom Formalities
The status for normal temporary admission.
You are a tourist and you would like to stay for a while in the Polynesian waters ? You can import your boat duty free for up to 12 months, entering only once or multiple times, within an overall period of 24 months. Time when your boat is hauled out in a shipyard is not counted.
For whom?
This legal framework targets the boats registered under foreign flags, under the name of an individual or corporate body with normal residence outside of French Polynesia and
with no money-making activity within the territory. Or, if the boat is not registered, if it belongs to an individual or a corporate body whose address is out of the customs territory.

Spare parts and goods
Spare parts can be imported duty free as well as goods listed below.
Firearms are prohibited but transit is authorized after declaration. A document is provided by Gendarmerie offices in first port of arrival to be returned to customs in Papeete by mail. Final clearance is obtained in Papeete.

It is not possible to buy duty free goods before departure, except fuel in Papeete.
Per person over 17 years of age:
- 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigares or 250 grams of tabacco,
- 2 L of wine, 2 L of spirit,
- personal effects.
Tax-free sales forms
are available in most of the shops in Tahiti, if the value of the goods you are buying is higher than 5000xpf excluding duties and taxes. Most of the goods can be bought VAT-free except: consumable goods (food, beverage, tobacco...); products subjected to a particular control (weapons, unmounted pearls and germs, cars, moped, stamps...); purchase for trading purpose ( more than 10 units of the same item is considered as a purchase for trading purpose).Warning: this measure is interesting if your last port of call is Papeete. If not the Regularization Process by retroactivity could be very long and complicated. You will have to show your item in the same time that the form is checked by the custom services.

Supply of tax free diesel fuel
As a yachtsman,
you can be supplied with tax-free diesel fuel for your boat, provided that you comply with specific terms and conditions.
Two possible scenarios exist:
• if you don’t name anyone to legally represent you in completing the administrative procedures to obtain diesel fuel in Papeete, you won’t be able to get tax-free diesel until you arrive at the Port of Papeete to get
ad hoc authorization from the PAF.
• If you appoint someone to legally represent you, you can get your tax-free diesel fuel. But first you need to show the
ad hoc authorization that the Port of Papeete gives to your representative. Your duly mandated representative must deliver to the PAF agents, located at the Yachts bureau of Papeete, a master mandatory document, delivered and signed by the captain of the boat and the original customs entry declaration, completed and signed by the yachtsman. TO MAKE THESE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES EASIER, A YACHT AGENT CAN HANDLE THIS PAPERWORK FOR YOU: HE CAN ALSO HELP TO DEAL WITH THE TAX FREE DIESEL FUEL ISSUE.

Clearance formalities
As soon as you arrive in French Polynesia, you must come ashore and fill out your customs declaration and arrival declaration at the Maritime Office of Immigration (PAF) in Papeete or at the “Gendarmerie” offices in your first port of arrival.
You also must send your arrival declaration to the Customs Central Board, or drop it off at the PAF.
• On demand, your authorized stay of 12 months may be suspended by the Customs Central Board in case of the boat owner or user’s departure, with certified boat immobilization, or if the owner deposits at the Customs service all the documents and documentary evidence that are necessary for the control of a boat grounded in Polynesian waters. These documents are returned to the boat’s owner when he returns. For example, if your boat is uninhabited, with absolutely no one on board, it is possible to stop the one year- clock and make it start again only when you return to Polynesia to continue your voyage!
• Your stay in Polynesia is nearing an end? You must now fill and drop off a
departure declaration at the Maritime Office of Immigration in Papeete or at the Gendarmerie offices in the first port of arrival, or send it by mail to the Customs Central Board no later than ten days before your departure.

Entry clearance formalities have to be formally completed at the “Gendarmerie” offices in the first port of arrival:
• Provide the list of all passengers and crew (names, profession, date and birthplace, nationality, passport number)
• Passengers and crew’s departure or arrival by aircraft, with details about the flights
• Detailed list of regulated or forbidden products (guns, alcohols, animals, seeds...)
• All passports with required valid visas

The Official clearance formalities of arrival have to be completed in the Port Autonome de Papeete:
• Provide the list of all passengers and crew (names, profession, date and birthplace, nationality, passport number)
• Passengers and crew’s departure or arrival by aircraft, with details about the flights
• Copy of the sailboat’s registration number.
• Clean bill of health of sailboat captain when boats are more than 40 meters long
• Detailed list of regulated or forbidden products (guns, alcohols, animals, seeds...)
• All passports with required valid visas

Inter islands clearance formalities between Tahiti and the other islands (except Moorea):
• Provide the list of all passengers and crew (names, profession, date and birthplace, nationality, passport number)
• Scheduled itinerary in French Polynesia

Exit clearance formalities at your departure from French Polynesia, mandatory to get tax free diesel oil:
• Provide the list of all passengers and crew (names, profession, date and birthplace, nationality, passport number)
• Passengers and crew’s departure or arrival by aircraft (with details about the flights)
• Detailed list of regulated or forbidden products (guns, alcohols, animals, seeds...)
• All passports with required valid visas

Phytosanitary regulation
During a stopover, you may have collected plant seeds or fruit, thinking it could be a good idea to plant them later. Now they are in your bag and you are about to move to the next port. Be careful !
The importation of plant products, plants and seeds in French Polynesia is regulated or forbidden, according to the deliberation 96-43 AT (February 29, 1996). According to the ministerial order 741CM (July 12, 1996), the transport to the islands or between the islands of fruit, veggies, flowers or any other vegetables such as plants and seeds is strictly regulated. No matter how fetching or harmless they might seem, the importation of non native species may put in jeopardy the phytosanitary protection of our islands.
This protection is of vital importance to protect the many endemic species that exist in French Polynesia. This is why the boats arriving from a country infested with the Coconut Beetle (Center and South America, Fidji, Samoa, Tonga, Philippines…) are inspected at their arrival and treated if necessary, as specified in the deliberation 99-168 APF of the 30th of September, 1999.
To protect our islands against crops pests,
you must imperatively declare plant products and plants to the staff of the Service for Rural Development (SDR) or throw them overboard before your arrival in Polynesian waters.

Health animal regulation
Without your knowledge, your favorite pet can carry serious diseases and parasites that may infect human beings. It is even more likely to happen if you have visited Central America, South America or even the United States in the last 6 months.
For security reasons,
removing your animals from your boat is forbidden. Your dog, your cat and any other animal sailing with you must be confined on board unless you obtain permit to take the animal ashore from veterinarians of the Service for Rural Development, according to the article n°15 of the deliberation 77-93 AT of the 10th of August, 1977.
How to get the landing authorization?
The authorization after consideration of the following documents, originals or certified true copies:
• Official document proving the date of your departure from the last country you visited infected by rabies (all Central America, USA included, are infected).
• Official document proving the date of your arrival in French Polynesia.
• Tattoo or micro-chip ISO11784 documents
• Updated vaccination booklet
• A French Polynesian vet certificate that proves that the animal was treated against parasites with Praziquantel with a dose of 5mg/kg (effective against Echinococcus sp more specifically), and against ticks. At the end of a six-month quarantine on board, the animals that have been treated as mentioned get permission to go ashore.
Landing after a 30-days quarantine may also be possible.
However you must provide to the competent authority a certificate of
anti rabies vaccination with:
• The animal identification number, proving he has been vaccinated for more than 6 months and less than 1 year before the scheduled date of landing.
• The test results for determining the rabies neutralisation antibody; it should be checked in a minimum of three months after vaccination and more than three months before the scheduled date of landing, and at a level more than 0.5 UI.

The animals who are taken ashore without permission are in violation of the regulation. According to the law, they will automatically be seized, killed and destroyed at the owner’s expenses.

Boat Mooring Regulation
Especially in Fakarava, pay attention to the mooring regulation: it will be a reference for you when you will move to the other islands.
Mooring on the coral or at less than 200 m from the shore is strictly forbidden, and near the fish parks. Ask the Town Hall of the local authority corresponding to the place you are interested in.
It is allowed to anchor in the mooring zones only. These zones are indicated on the PGEM map of each atoll by sign: “ZM”. This is the location of the anchor and not the boat’s location that shows where the vessel is moored.

Forbidden activities
No matter how long the transit may be, mooring in the channels of navigation that are marked or mooring in the passes is strictly forbidden, except in case of an emergency.
Mooring on the coral or at less than 200 m from the shore is strictly forbidden. Vessels which are not being used during fishing in the fish parks areas must stay outside of these parks in order not to disturb this activity.

Obligations
Vessels with marine toilets must be equipped with a non polluting system and must use biodegradable detergents as from January the first, 2008.

Trash, even biodegradable, must not be thrown into the water.

Lights & Flags
When you arrive in a port during daylight hours, you must exhibit the international yellow Q flag or the signal D.I.F.
At night, you must turn on the day signal or show a red light upper than a white light.
The maximum distance between the lights is 1m83 (6 feet).
You are arriving in a French Territory, so it is mandatory that you fly the French flag.
The Polynesians appreciate when sailors also exhibit the Polynesian flag, and the Marquesans will be very happy is you also exhibit the Marquesan flag!

Useful links
www.portdepapeete.pf

www.biosecurite.gov.pf

Windward islands:
Tahiti
LATITUDE 17°/18° SOUTH, LONGITUDE 149°/150° WEST
The Society islands Level of navigation: easy.
This is the perfect place for yachting. There is no lunar tide,
most large are passes and navigation is easy at any time (excepted at Maupiti). A lateral buoyage system is used in the passes and at fixed points. Moreover the fringing coral reefs allow a safe navigation because they protect you from the swell in the lagoons. The buoyage system is important in the lagoons: you will see green buoys at lagoon side and red buoys at the land side.In addition, you have to be careful when the sea is choppy in the channel between two islands and beware of the shallows. In every group of islands, yachtsmen usually sail during the day between the islands across very short distances. It is recommended to leave before 9:00 a.m, in order to avoid bad visibility in the passes and choose your moorings at the end of the day.
Special sailing instructions: BETWEEN PAPEETE ET PUNAAUIA (TAHITI) Every time you move your boat
(entering in the Port, leaving it or just changing your anchorage), you must ask permission from the Harbour control station on VHF 12 or at this numbers: 42 12 12 / 47 48 50, because of the proximity with the international Airport’s runway.

The public docks in Papeete are accessed through its channel (this can be dangerous with a north, north-west swell running), Pass through Taunoa channel with its fishing docks. You must contact the harbour master before your entry in the port. You will need his authorization before crossing the airport channel, especially for boats drawing more than 18 ft of water. Yachts need to fly a yellow flag and their captains must go ashore and see the port, customs and immigrations authorities within 48 hours of arrival. Yachts are welcome at Yacht Quay and at Bounty Quay in the center of Papeete (water, electricity, Bathrooms are available). Administrative offices for completion of paperwork are nearby. In this vicinity, you'll also find many maritime suppliers and workshops where marine equipment can be purchased or repaired. A fuel dock is nearby (close to the ferry docks). Note, however, that in order to purchase more than 1,000 liters (250 gallons) you will need to go to the Fare Ute Gas Docks.
Outside of Papeete two other marine facilities are accessible to visitors: Marina Taina at Punaauia with berths and quays which can accommodate vessels of unlimited size. Facilities include: telephone, electricity, restaurants, fuel dock and supermarket. The second is the Tahiti Yacht Club at Arue. Berthing is available for boats up to 45ft. Anchorage space available also, as well as a fuel dock.
You will find berthing and mooring areas all around Tahiti:
Going around th
e west coast of the bigger island:
Outumaoro (piers and various services on land, long stays are forbidden for long stay),Vaitupa (dock, water, safe location), Venus Point (not useable when winds from north to south-west) and motu Aau.
Along the peninsula: Nansouty islet, anchorage “la Boudeuse”, or anchorage “Bougainville” (where Bougainville anchored); Faratea docks in Taravao (docks, fresh water, fuel, grocery store); Tautira (village with water, fuel, grocery stores, a river which can be explored and a nice) and its lagoon, the anchorage is located at the south end, down river Aiurua, basin of Vaiau (excursions to caves, and famous Surfspot called Teahupoo); Vairao docks (water, fuel dock, bathroom, shops…); Phaeton docks (Tahiti Nautic Center marina, with designated docking spots, workshops, chandlery, laundry room, bathrooms, fuel docks, restaurants).
Going along this big Island to the east: you’ll find anchorages in Motuovini and Puuru islet in Papeari lagoon, Mataiea bay, and Atimaono anchorage.

Port Autonome de Papeete tel.: 47 48 00
PAP, emergency line
tel.: 42 12 12
Harbour Control Station tel.: 47 48 50  email: vigie@portppt.pf  VHF: 12 / 16 BLU: 2638 Khz.

Yachts office tel.: 47 48 51
Immigration (PAF), marine office tel.: 42 40 74
Customs tel.: 50 55 50
Sanitary informations tel.: 54 45 85
Harbour master's office tel.: 50 54 82
Harbour Police tel.: 54 19 52
Gendarmerie, Papeete tel.: 46 73 67
Gendarmerie, Taravao tel.: 54 73 05
Marine Gendarmerie tel.: 46 52 95
Nautic Squad tel.: 80 37 00

Moorea:
Anchorages:
We call Moorea the
“sister island” because of its close proximity to Tahiti. Moorea is accessible from two different channels. To the east, the channel between the two islands is subject to crossing swells from the east and south, making it choppy. Plus, it is also frequently used by local ferries and cargo ships. The main channel will bring you to the docks in Vaiare (facilities include a marina, fresh water, electricity, laundry, bathrooms, ATM, fuel dock, restaurants, hospital, supermarket). Safe access can also be made through the north and northwest Channels. Attention!: Moorea has a PGEM– Marine Management Plan– that regulates the use of lagoon space and its resources. Check the PGEM map, which shows the protected lagoon areas the different fishing zones. In the lagoon and protected areas speed is limited to 5 knots.
Authorized anchorages are:
In Cooks Bay: Mobil gas station with a pier (facilities include: water, fuel, groceries, restaurants, shops, gendarmerie, pharmacy).
In Opunohu Bay: a wild and beautiful. Don’t miss the excursion up to the belvedere for an exceptional view of the two bays (Also available: horseback riding, excursions, marae...). But watch out: no allowed in the innermost part of the bay!
in front of Pao Pao pharmacy, in front of Mareto beach (Entry via Opunohu Bay) in front of Teavaro’s Town Hall.
the little dock of Papetoai allows a short stop (dock, grocery store, post office, a famous Octogonal temple, the oldest in Polynesia).

Town Hall Moorea tel.: 55 04 55
Vaiare harbour VHF: 12 tel.: 56 26 97
Marina Vaiare tel.: 56 45 58
Gendarmerie tel.: 55 25 05
Town police, Afareaitu tel.: 56 36 36
Town police, Papetoai tel.: 56 14 10
Fire station, Paopao tel.: 56 20 18

Tetiaroa: This is a wonderful place. Historically, it was the royal family’s residence. Then in 1966 the atoll became Marlon Brando’s property. Even though it still belongs to his family, its lagoon is in the public domain and is accessible to sailors. Access thru the tiny channel at the east, only on clear days (no large, deep draft vessels). Anchor toward the south end close to motu Rimatuu (avoid anchorage during south wind). You can go by dingy to other motu.
Attention!:
Tetiaroa is a protected area
(nesting area for various bird species and turtles). It’s forbidden to fish along the reef.

Maiao: at 75 Km east of Moorea, it’s a little Paradise. But sailors and non-residents are NOT welcome on the island. No hotels or restaurants. Channels are not deep enough for large vessels. Permission to anchor in the lagoon must be obtained from the town council and visits without a specific purpose are not recommended (forbidden for more than a day).
Town Hall tel.: 56 02 55
Health centre tel.: 56 02 50

Leeward islands
LATITUDE 16°/18° SOUTH, LONGITUDE 149°/153° WEST
Society archipelago made of two groups of island: to the west, the Leeward islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora-Bora…); to the east, the Windward islands with Tahiti and Moorea.
The Leeward Islands has the principal sail-boat-rental companies, the sailing condition, the landscape diversity, the access to the culture and nautical substructures make this place a real paradise for sailors.

Huahine:
Anchorages:
Avamoa channel and Avapehi channel both bring you to the principal town Fare (dock, Gas station, water, medic, shops, restaurants, banks, and a little market on Saturday morning). If the dock is too crowded (
you need to ask the dock manager before docking) anchor in the sand in the center, or in Haavai bay facing Avapehi (if south or west wind). Get to Avea bay thru the lagoon, a beautiful white sand beach in the south with many anchorages on the way (Teapaa, Bourayne, Haapu bay-pier, water, grocery shop).
The two other channels bring you to Maroe bay (wild) and Faie (marina, pier).
Town Hall tel.: 60 63 21
Gendarmerie tel.: 60 62 05
Emergency tel.: 68 82 48
Infirmary tel.: 68 82 48
Dental center tel.: 68 79 11
Pharmacy tel.: 60 61 41
Mobil Gas Station tel.: 68 81 41
Dock Manager tel.: 68 82 11

Raiatea:
Anchorages:
in the center of town Uturoa, a dock and a marina offer useful commodities: Gas stations, hospital, medical services, shops, restaurants… Getting out of Uturoa, to the west, you’ll find the Apooiti marina (Dock, pond, pier, water, gas, laundry-wash, restaurants, shop, technical support).
The technical work zone of Uturaerae
(with different work shops: hull, sails…; marina –water, electricity). Recommended anchorage are located on Tetooroa bay (fishing, surfing),the Toamaro islets (snorkelling) and Nao Nao islets (nice beach, diving), Opoa bays (wharf at proximity of the archaeological site Taputapuatea) and Faaroa (going up river).
Town Hall Taputapuatea tel.: 60 03 60
Town Hall Tumaraa tel.: 60 25 75
Town Hall Uturoa tel.: 60 03 80
Gendarmerie tel.: 60 03 05
Town police tel.: 66 44 17
Gas Station Port tel.: 66 31 24
Gas Station Tapioi Marina tel.: 66 32 32
Port and marinas: VHF: 12 / 16
Dock Manager tel.: 66 31 52
Apooiti Marina tel.: 66 12 20

Taha'a:
Anchorages:
in the lagoon, you can sail allaround the vanilla Island, it’s a wonderful tour. Prefer anchorages in Tapuamu bay (well covered with a dock and a gas station, water and grocery shop…); in Vaitoare (village and wharf); in Haamene bay (village, dock, pier, yacht-club, pearl farm, medic center); in motu Toahotu, Mahaea, Tehotu, Tautau;Patio (medical and dental center, bank, post, shops); Tiva (dock, water, groceries, restaurant); Apu bay (south point, the Taravana yacht-club, marina-dock, pier, anchorage, electricity, laundry room, bathrooms, internet, bar-restaurant.
Town Hall Patio tel.: 60 80 80
Town Hall Tumaraa tel.: 60 25 75
Gendarmerie tel.: 60 81 05
Town Police tel.: 60 63 22
Fire station tel.: 65 61 00

Bora Bora:
Anchorages:
you access to the “Pearl of the Pacific” thru the only channel in Teavanui (up north-west), direction Vaitape docks, quick docking possible (gas stations, marina, water, shops, med. care, restaurants…). Except the amazing Yacht-Club and it’s 15 anchorage spots close to Fare piti point (anchorage, water, ice, laundry room, bathrooms, internet), you’ll notice, it’s the only fresh water refill spot. We suggest refilling in Raiatea or Taha’a.
Best anchorages are located close to “Pointe Raititi”, the north part of motu To’opua (many artefacts from ancient god Hiro); Faanui bay (petroglyphs, marae); the Teveiroa motu and south, motu Mute.The channel between motu are not practicable for ships that have more than 8ft deep in water, and motu Tupe (Lagoonarium), Taurere bay, close to motu Piti Uu Uta et Piti Uu Tai are great anchorage spots. Then, the great Bloody Mary restaurant offering anchorages.
Town Hall tel.: 60 58 00
Gendarmerie tel.: 60 59 05
Town Police tel.: 67 70 41
Total Gas Station tel.: 67 75 22
Station Météo France tel.: 67 74 52

Bora Bora Yacht Club tel.: 67 77 77

Maupiti:
Anchorages:
Maupiti’s charms can be discovered going thru Onoiau channel down south (cross channel early morning up to noon, but avoid in case of big south swells). It will bring you into the lagoon suitable only for shallow hulls, and close to the village (find water, limited amounts of gas at Electra). The Island has one dock in south of pointe Patito and 200 yards east, a wharf (Pauma). But the best anchorage spot is close to the motu Tiapaa and Pitihahei.
Town Hall tel.: 60 15 56
Doctors tel.: 60 15 70

Tuamotu islands
LATITUDE 14°/23° SOUTH, LONGITUDE 135°/149° WEST
Level of navigation: caution.
Be careful when you are navigating between the atolls which are visible at less than 10MN only: the current can be strong in the channels between the atolls.
On the 76 Tuamotu atolls, only some of them have passes where you can enter. On the others, when southeast wind gusts blow or when there is a heavy swell, there can be up to 6 knots of outgoing current. In addition, a tidal bore can be generated outside and inside the passes.
Generally speaking, it will be better to sail into the pass when the water is slack. You will see lateral beacons in the main Tuamotu islands’ passes and sometimes even in the channels providing access to a village. But most of the time, in the lagoons,
you will navigate carefully, and with the sun behind you or during the midday sun. You will have a better visibility of colors and coral heads, so you can pick out the poito, pearl farms’ buoys.
In July and August, when strong east and southeast wind gusts blow inside some of the big atolls, the wind raises an interior swell. It is recommended to moor at the east.
As fresh water is very rare, we advise
you to stock up on water in the Marquesas Islands before leaving and also to collect rainwater if the boat is not equipped with a watermaker.

Manihi:
Anchorages:
entrance to the lagoon is through the Tairapa pass in the south west. Sailing in the vicinity of the pearl farms is not to be recommended (in the south and the centre of the lagoon) and these can be easily reached using the shuttles that leave from the wharf situated near the village of Paeue (grocery store; diesel fuel at the shop, no quayside filling; infirmary, Post Office, no bank).
Mooring near the Tetarafa islet can also be recommended.
Town Hall tel.: 96 42 55
Infirmary, Manihi tel.: 96 43 67
First Aid centre, Ahe tel.: 96 45 01

Fakarava:
Anchorages:
famous port of call for navigators, classified by Unesco as a Biosphere Natural Reserve, there are now strict anchorage regulations.
Anchorage is only allowed in zones indicated as ZN on the PGEM map for each atoll. As soon as you arrive, you must inform the Town Hall of your position and inquire about the rules and regulations.
Access to Fakarava is through the Garue pass (not to be attempted with a northerly wind and an out-going current) to reach the village of Rotoava (deep-water wharf, infirmary, post office, shops – quay-side delivery of diesel oil in barrels of 200L). In the south, access is through the Tumakohua pass (not to be attempted in a strong southerly wind); anchorage is possible near the village of Tetamanu.
Town Hall tel.: 93 40 40
Medical centre, Fakarava tel.: 98 42 24
First Aid centre, Niau tel.: 96 93 02
First Aid centre, Kauehi tel.: 96 90 27
First Aid centre, Raraka tel.: 96 90 83

Rangiroa:
Anchorages:
administrative port of the Tuamotu Islands
, its huge lagoon can become a rough sea when the south-east wind blows.
Access is through one of the two northern passes that are named after the two villages:
Avatoru (deep-sea wharf, marina, station, quay-side delivery for more than 100L, shops, restaurants, medical and dental centre...).
Tiputa (wharf, small marina, shops and local market). The current can reach a speed of 8 knots. Enter the pass with an incoming current or when the current is on the turn.
Post office and Banks can be found in both village.
Good moorings in the east are opposite the Kia Ora, at the islets of Faama, Mauahatea, Otepipi, Naonao and Mahitu, or near the islets of Kiroria, Atiati, Rahi, Hauone; and in the west (in fair weather) near the “blue lagoon”, motu Paio and motu Pomariorio.
There are five dive operators in Rangiroa. The exceptional density of its marine fauna accounts for its worldwide reputation.
Gendarmerie tel.: 93 11 55
Town Hall, Tiputa tel.: 96 73 27
Town Hall, Avatoru tel.: 96 83 43
Infirmary, Tiputa tel.: 96 73 96
Medical centre, Avatoru tel.: 96 03 75
Dental centre, Avatoru tel.: 96 03 75
Shell Marine Gas Station tel.: 96 83 37
Neighboring atolls:
Town Hall, Mataiva tel.: 96 32 57
First Aid centre, Mataiva tel.: 96 32 57
Town Hall, Makatea tel.: 96 91 60
Infirmary, Makatea tel.: 96 91 62

Tikehau:
Anchorages:
an extraordinary lagoon, ideal for fishing and diving, accessible through one pass in the west (entry not advisable in a NW wind), Tuheiava, where mooring is possible near the motu Teonai. The fishing village is situated close to the pass.
It is possible to anchor near the village of Tuherahera in the south (wharf, quay, municipal water tank for water supplies, shops, limited fuel supplies, infirmary, restaurants) but in an east wind it is not to be recommended; or at the islet, Tavania and at the motu Aua, Puarua (the bird island,
not advisable if the birds are hatching) and Hiraumaine (fishing).
Town Hall, Tikehau tel.: 96 22 37
Infirmary, Tikehau tel.: 96 23 49

The Marquesas Islands
LATITUDE 7°55/10°33 SOUTH, LONGITUDE 138°35/140°43 WEST
THE TWO PORTS FOR ENTRY TO THE MARQUESAS ARE NUKU HIVA AND HIVA OA, FOR ENTRY FORMALITIES WITH THE AUTHORITIES.
Level of navigation: easy.
Situated at the outer limit of equatorial waters, between latitudes 8° and 10° south, the Marquesas Islands don’t suffer from tropical depressions, and cyclones are unknown there.

The weather
is nice most of the time, and the rainy season is not very intense.
Winds
are usually steady, but they may be impacted by the steep contours of these mountainous islands.
The swell
may be heavy, because the Marquesas are not protected by coral reefs.
In every group of islands, navigators usually sail during the day.
The navigation is quite easy, the coastlines are clear cut and step-to, sea currents generally flow to theW-N-W (less than 1 knot) yet are reinforced in the narrow passage (Bordelais channel Hiva Oa/Tahuata).
The islands are high and the leeward coasts suffer often from light winds. The Marquesas Islands have numerous bays which provide good shelter from the winds but are often open to the dominant swells (
Beach landings can sometimes be a challenge!). Shallows are silty and secure.
The Marquesans live close to the sea. Boating infrastructure, such as quays and docks, are available in every inhabited island.

Aids to navigation are rare:
there are only port entry beacons into the bays where the access to the main villages is easy.

Nuku Hiva:
Anchorages: from October to February, the bays in the south are more sheltered. The most popular is Taiohae with a stable, if often rolling anchorage; and a small quay for disembarking in
a dinghy (don’t forget to drop a small stern anchor). Facilities available: bathroom facilities, non drinking water, snack restaurant, yacht services (washing-machines, mechanical work shop, sail-loft...).
Anchorage possible in the east of the bay. From July to September, Hakaehu in the north is a better bet (possible to disembark at the mouth of a small river) and Anaho (restaurant, water, fruit...) excursions to the bay of Hatiheu (statue of the Virgin Mary at an altitude of 300m, restaurant) depending on the weather, anchorage in the Baie du Contrôleur on the West coast.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 03 05
Hospital, Taiohae tel.: 91 02 00
Pharmacy tel.: 91 00 90
First Aid centre, Aakapa tel.: 92 04 61
Infirmary, Taipivai tel.: 92 01 42
Infirmary, Hatiheu tel.: 92 01 43
Marine Diesel station Total tel.: 92 06 18
Nuku Hiva Yacht services tel.: 92 07 50

Ua Huka:
Anchorages: the best ones are situated in the Bays of Haavei, Vaipee and Hane (shops, infirmary, airport)
Infirmary, Hane tel.: 92 60 58

Ua Pou:
Anchorages: Safe anchorage at Hakahau (shops, restaurants, infirmary, Post Office, bank, airport) in the bays of Vaiehu and Uapo.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 53 05
Dentist tel.: 92 53 58
Infirmary, Hakahau tel.: 92 53 75
Infirmary, Hakamaii tel.: 92 52 99
Infirmary, Hakatao tel.: 92 51 04
First Aid centre, Haakuti tel.: 92 54 91
First Aid centre, Hakahetau tel.: 92 55 12

Hiva Oa:
Anchorages: Atuona has a harbour (service station with wharf, drinking water, car rental, grocery store).
At the village, 3km away, there is a medical centre, restaurants, Post office,
airport…
For a more isolated anchorage, the Bay of Takauku is near-by.
Gendarmerie tel.: 91 71 05
Medical centre tel.: 92 73 75
Dental centre tel.: 92 78 17
Infirmary, Puamau tel.: 92 74 96
First aid centre, Nahoe tel.: 92 71 70
First aid centre, Hanapaaoa tel.: 92 72 32
Gas Station Temetiu tel.: 92 71 85
Cyber Services Laundry tel.: 92 79 85
Météo France, Atuona tel.: 92 73 78

Tahuata:
Anchorages: water supplies and provisions at Vaitahu (grocery store, infirmary, Post Office, no bank). Weather permitting, the bay of Hapatoni is to be preferred (small quay to disembark in a dinghy, grocery store, arts and crafts centre, marae). Splendid anchorages in front of the white sand beaches on the northwest side of the island (Bay of Hamoenoa).
Infirmary, Vaitahu tel.: 92 92 27
First Aid centre, Hanatetena tel.: 92 92 62
First Aid centre, Motopu tel.: 92 92 36

Fatu Hiva:
Anchorages: without an airport, accessible only by sea, it is an authentic island where life is very simple.
Omoa (at the foot of the majestic Mount Touaouoho) has an infirmary, a Post office, a museum and a few shops. You disembark on the beach at the mouth of the river.
Another possible anchorage is in the bay of Hanavave (magical, also called the Bay of Virgins). Small wharf for dinghy with drinking water, grocery shop, church, first aid centre.
Infirmary, Omoa tel.: 92 80 36
First Aid centre, Hanavave tel.: 92 80 61

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